February 2021

The words I believe God spoke to me in this journal entry were for me as well as my young friend.  I love her and I felt that her pain was mine.  I didn’t share in her particular sin but I could relate to her guilt, shame, and regret.  We all have sins that cause guilt, shame, and regret.*

Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. NLT

From the journal . . . . March 2009

Lord, when I got home, there was a card from a young friend thanking me for the note I sent her.  It was nice to get, but my heart broke for her.  Her situation is so hard with broken relationships and a failed marriage.  She wonders if life will ever be good again.  Oh Lord, forgiveness and mercy must be free flowing all over the place. 

Lord, she thinks I’m strong.  Am I?  I love You and I think I am determined to follow You no matter what.  I can walk and I can keep walking, one foot in front of the other. That’s about it.  And I can hold on to You, like a pit bull.   I believe in Heaven.  I believe in ‘later’ and I have hope.  Hope is strength, and Your Word says, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Neh 8:10       

And I Believe God Said:

Yes. That is your strength: hope, faith, love. Keep holding on.  Don’t give up and don’t be intimidated by failure.  Don’t be intimidated by rejection.  I see your heart.  When your heart is right – act. 

The sin of jealousy must be confessed and put down.  It must not be catered to or fed by competition.  Replace it with love and humility.  Do what is right.  Risk acceptance, if need be.*  Do what is right.

Gal. 1:10. Matt 16:26